Bombardier Aerospace announced today that Learjet has obtained the first flight test permit from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for the Learjet 85 aircraft Flight Test Vehicle 1 (FTV1). In addition, engine run testing and low-speed taxi testing have been successfully completed on the flight test vehicle.

During the final testing stage in preparation for first flight, the Learjet 85 aircraft program team will finalize the configuration of the aircraft and conduct further engine runs and high-speed taxi tests.

“We have successfully completed preliminary testing on the Learjet 85 FTV1 and we are now one step closer in achieving the first flight,” said Ralph Acs, Vice-President and General Manager, Learjet 85, Bombardier Business Aircraft. “We’re committed to offering our customers state-of-the-art aircraft and we look very much forward to showcasing the Learjet 85 jet, the biggest Learjet aircraft ever, during its maiden flight,” he added.

The new Learjet 85 aircraft – Redefining the midsize segmentWith a customer-driven clean-sheet design, the Learjet 85 aircraft will be the most spacious and fastest aircraft in its category.

The Learjet 85 aircraft flight deck combines advanced technology, with superior design elements for a cockpit environment unlike any other midsize jet. The latest in technological advancements and superior design aesthetics from the Bombardier Vision flight deckoffer pilots the most sophisticated cockpit in its class.

The aircraft’s Cabin Management System will feature a high-capacity Ethernet network, a digital amplifier to feed the high-fidelity speaker system and an interface to support the aircraft cabin environment, including lighting and temperature control. The system’s open architecture also allows for easy integration of third-party equipment and new applications, such as high-definition features.

The Learjet 85 aircraft targets a high-speed cruise of Mach 0.82 and a transcontinental range of approximately 3,000 nautical miles (5,556 km)*.

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Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

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